Japanese Toy Companies : AOSHIN ( ASC ) TOYS

ASC (Aoshin Shoten) 1950 – present

ASC was founded in Tokyo sometime around 1950 in what was then classed as occupied Japan. Its trademark / logo had the letters of its company name ASC within a diamond.

ASC produced a range of tinplate / mechanical toy vehicles, space toys, many of which were to become highly collectable as were several of their classic robot figures, along with many tinplate novelty items all marked with the ASC logo. Early post war clockwork items normally operated by means of a permanent key before, like many of its competitors, there was a move to battery operated toys which would allow for multi-action features.

The history of ASC mirrored that of many Japanese tinplate toy companies which saw a continued healthy growth from a birth in the early years following the end of WWII when the demand for inexpensive toys was high and continued to grow year on year. However the company was struggling in its traditional marketplace by the 1970′s, switching instead to creating portrayals of animated and live-action heroes.

This is a very rare and classic robot from the early 1950′s. Made of tinplate with clockwork mechanism the robot came in just two colourway versions - orange/red and grey/red. Skirted robot will change direction – ‘turn and go’ action, has sparks in his chest and rotating antenna.

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This blog is written by myself, David Rodgers. My personal area of expertise (such that it is) is in antique toys and games and I would like to think that by visiting this site now and again you will hopefully find it both informative and enjoyable, with some interesting articles, pictures and even some items for sale that may appeal !